Italian media reports, notably the 'Calcio Mercato' website, revealed that the duo Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli are among the candidates to coach the Italian national team, following the departure of coach Luciano Spalletti, who was relieved of his duties due to a heavy loss against Norway with a score of 3-0 in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Spalletti is expected to play his last match with the Italian national team against Moldova before officially leaving his position.

Stefano Pioli, the current head coach of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is considered the closest option to lead the national team, especially since he has shown willingness to take on the role, despite his commitment to his team until the end of his contract on July 10.

On the other hand, the Italian federation faces difficulties in convincing Ranieri to change his decision to retire from coaching and to settle for his advisory role at AS Roma, which increases Pioli's chances of succeeding Spalletti.